The hottest Existentialism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

We're going to be alright

davidj.substack • 11 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Things are not always what they seem; sometimes we misinterpret situations based on limited information.
  2. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, there is still hope for a better future if we stay focused.
  3. Justice may take time, but it will eventually prevail, and we must continue to work towards the goals we believe in.

The moral struggle to be a self

Meaningful Particulars • 32 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The human experience is filled with ambiguous situations that define our struggle for existence and self-discovery.
  2. Values often conflict, leading to moral dilemmas where virtues must be balanced against vices.
  3. The tension between personal freedom and objective reality is essential for growth and success.

The Era of Truth is Coming

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Many people think big changes are coming in the 21st century, including climate problems and advances in AI. But things might just go on pretty much as they have been for a while.
  2. Some believe we are in a dark time that will eventually lead to a new era, called the Era of Truth, where better things can emerge. This could involve major breakthroughs in technology or a return to simpler, more human ways of living.
  3. The future is uncertain, and there are various possibilities. We might see a technological renaissance, an end to our current ways of life, or simply a continuation of the status quo.

Nature's alleged immorality

Meaningful Particulars • 32 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Modern moral philosophy often contrasts with ancient ethical theories.
  2. There is a lack of consensus on the definition and basis of morality among intellectuals.
  3. Science may not be able to fully explain or define morality due to inherent value judgments and normative claims.

Letter #5: The transmission of the listener

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Creating something meaningful can be both rewarding and tiring. It's important to acknowledge that mix of feelings.
  2. Engagement with the audience can lead to a deeper understanding of your work. Listening to feedback helps improve and grow your ideas.
  3. Taking breaks after intense focus on a project is helpful. It gives you time to reflect and recharge for the next challenges.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Dealing with Uncertainty

Tessa Fights Robots • 18 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Uncertainty is a fundamental part of life, and we should connect with our inner selves to navigate it.
  2. Warm, caring people, a strong sense of inner goodness, and reliance on loving spiritual powers can help us withstand uncertainty with courage.
  3. Predators thrive on spoiling communities and creating insecurity, but emphasizing our spiritual connection and goodness can protect us and bring peace.

#9: Tradeoffs

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 01 Jan 20
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Life is full of tradeoffs. When you want something, like a stable job or a big house, you may have to give up other freedoms, like moving easily or having more free time.
  2. It’s important to clearly define what tradeoffs you are okay with. This helps you make better decisions, whether it’s about what to eat or where to live.
  3. Instead of just asking what you want, think about what you are willing to sacrifice. This question helps you understand your priorities and can lead to clearer choices.

Letter #7: A Weird Week

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The writer experienced a tough week after publishing an essay, facing significant reactions that affected him deeply. People often struggle with criticism, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by it.
  2. He finds it hard to ignore negative feedback, which shows how sensitive and thoughtful he is about his work. Sensitivity can be a strength, allowing for deeper connections with others.
  3. Despite the difficult moments, sharing personal experiences can bring valuable lessons and foster understanding. Opening up about challenges helps build a supportive community.

assorted thoughts on philosophy and spirituality

Midnight Musings • 19 implied HN points • 09 May 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Understanding my ego has helped me realize that I'm not just my thoughts and desires. I can be the observer of my thoughts instead of getting lost in them.
  2. I've learned that desire often leads to disappointment and exhaustion. Instead of asking what I want, I now focus on what I can give to others.
  3. I believe that our energy affects our experiences and relationships. By giving love and compassion, I attract positive experiences into my life.

On the Omnipotence Paradox: The Laws of Thought are Beyond God's Power

Ethics Under Construction • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. God's power is limited by the laws of logic and reason, meaning He can’t do the impossible, like creating contradictions.
  2. If God cannot change necessary truths, then He also cannot change contingent truths; this suggests that God's power is not absolute.
  3. The idea of an all-powerful God becomes meaningless if we accept that God must operate within logical boundaries, similar to everyone else.

Faith

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 21
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existentialism
  1. Rejecting one idea of God doesn't mean you can't create your own idea of God. It's important to find a belief that feels right for you.
  2. Faith can be seen differently in religious and scientific communities. While faith is a virtue in religion, science values doubt and questioning.
  3. Even in math and logic, there’s a level of faith that better explanations exist. This shows that faith isn’t just for the religious, but important in every field of exploration.

Eclipse

roon’s blog • 8 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Experiencing a solar eclipse can make you feel connected to the universe. It’s a moment where you realize just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
  2. During an eclipse, the normal rules of nature seem to change, creating a sense of awe and deep emotion. This powerful event can bring people together in joy and wonder.
  3. The eclipse serves as a reminder that there are bigger forces at play in the universe. It brings clarity about life, showing that our experiences are just part of a larger cosmic dance.

what the f* is e/acc

e/acc newsletter • 3 HN points • 26 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. E/acc (effective accelerationism) believes in continuous growth and technological advancement as solutions to human problems.
  2. E/acc is founded on the physics of life, emphasizing that creating structures that efficiently use energy to offload entropy is crucial for survival.
  3. E/acc promotes increasing energy usage, human flourishing, developing AI, and spreading life beyond Earth as key goals for civilization.

A Postcard From The Far Side of Despair.

Trying to Understand the World • 9 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. People have given up hope for a better future and are engulfed in a sense of despair and disillusionment.
  2. Facing situations without hope doesn't always lead to despair; learning from real-life examples of resilience is crucial.
  3. In times of crisis and hopelessness, focus on practical actions within your control and act with kindness and understanding.

Non-Naive Re-Enchantment

A blog. • 1 implied HN point • 18 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Enchantment is about feeling a deep connection with the mysterious aspects of life. It’s important to believe there's more to the world than what we see every day.
  2. Modern thinking often dismisses supernatural ideas in favor of a more scientific view, which can lead to feelings of disconnection. Understanding this can help us find ways to reconnect with a sense of wonder.
  3. Re-enchantment should be approached thoughtfully, not by escaping into fantasies. We should strive for a real, meaningful relationship with the mystery around us.

More on Unlearning

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We're facing both challenges and chances for new beginnings. It's time to rethink our old beliefs and open ourselves to different futures.
  2. As we deal with crisis, new ways of healing and understanding will emerge. It's important to unlearn old habits that limit our growth.
  3. An online course called 'Unlearning for Change Agents' aims to help people let go of outdated thinking. The course is flexible, letting participants learn at their own pace.

Choosing the Experience Machine

The Permanent Problem • 7 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The concept of the experience machine questions the idea of a fulfilling life based solely on pleasure.
  2. Many reject the idea of being plugged into an experience machine for life, but some are in favor.
  3. Contemporary society shows a trend of overinvestment in virtual experiences at the expense of real relationships and projects.

Humans are Just a System, Right?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Humans are like emergent systems, made up of smaller parts that come together to create complex results.
  2. Emergence exists in various fields like economies, cities, and consciousness, implying that systems are present in many aspects of life.
  3. It's okay to not have all the answers or know your purpose, as humanity might be part of a larger system with a mysterious purpose.

What Are Humans For?

The Permanent Problem • 5 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Automation and technological advancements have the potential to lead to mass unemployment.
  2. Humans need to consider their purpose in a world where machines can do tasks more efficiently.
  3. Human flourishing involves connecting with others, exploring the world, and taking care of life on Earth.

At the Crossroads: Nine short recordings

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 27 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Each country faces its own unique challenges, showing that the world is at various crossroads. It's important to recognize and understand these different situations.
  2. Scientific ideas can sometimes seem disconnected from everyday life, but they play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of reality. We should explore how myth and science interact.
  3. Our decisions shape who we are as humans. It's vital to reflect on the forces that guide our choices and the values we hold.

Looking vs. Seeing

Mica’s Newsletter • 2 HN points • 22 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Looking just means directing your eyes at something. Seeing is about understanding and being aware of what you're looking at.
  2. There's often more going on in front of us than we realize. If we take time to really see, we can discover hidden truths.
  3. Once you truly see something, it sticks with you. It can change how you view the world and what you notice every day.

End the Horror, Let the Crisis Change You

As If We Were Staying • 2 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. We are facing many crises all at once, called a polycrisis. This means it's affecting us in many parts of our lives and makes us feel overwhelmed.
  2. Horror can be seen as the fear of losing control or understanding in uncertain situations. To get through it, we need to confront what scares us, rather than avoiding it.
  3. To change and grow, we need to rethink our beliefs and frameworks that have been shaped by capitalism. Embracing change is key to moving past the horrors we face.

Sunday Snippets #2

Aliveness Studies • 3 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Desire and longing can be cherished as sensations in themselves, independent of the object being desired.
  2. Don't wait for permission to pursue your goals and dreams; time is finite and waiting only delays progress.
  3. Life is short and unpredictable, so value and make time for the important people in your life.

The Return of The Big Questions

thezakelfassiexperiment • 1 implied HN point • 22 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. There's a shift in questioning life's value and humanity's role in an AI-driven world.
  2. Investigating the origin of creativity, whether from humans or a divine power, can shape our future perception of AI.
  3. Embracing discomfort from asking big questions can lead to enlightening insights about ourselves and our future.

Navigating the Corporate World

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Unamuno's existential crisis was about reconciling faith and reason, and finding meaning in uncertainty.
  2. Ethics play a crucial role in navigating dilemmas, especially in the corporate world.
  3. Navigating dichotomies requires careful consideration, avoiding hasty conclusions in pursuit of certainty.

Title: Finding Peace in a World of Uncertainty: Lessons from Epictetus

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Anxiety often comes from desires for things beyond our control like success, approval, and more. This leads to restlessness and discontent.
  2. Stoicism, like Epictetus taught, emphasizes focusing on controlling our responses and actions, rather than external events beyond our control.
  3. To find peace amidst chaos, identify what's within your control, focus on your responses to situations, cultivate inner resilience, and embrace the present moment.

Deathbed regrets and hard-won life lessons

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Existentialism
  1. Many older TikTok users are using filters to reflect on their past and share life lessons, blurring the line between nostalgia and introspection.
  2. Various thought-provoking articles are recommended for weekend reads, covering topics like AI vs. human consciousness and the impact of influencers.
  3. A roundup of various tech-related topics like the resurgence of work phones, the use of AI for mental health, and the evolving landscape of social media content on platforms like TikTok.

A Repeat Read To Contemplate

The False Consensus Effect • 0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 21
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. The author shares a video and links to a previous post about False Consensus to encourage contemplation on Black Friday.
  2. The author expresses a desire to create a tradition around discussing environmental threats like urgent human-made dangers to life on Earth.
  3. The post emphasizes the importance of internal and external sanity and reflection.

Book Review: “Looking for a meaning of Live” by Viktor Frankl 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Viktor Frankl's book 'Looking for a meaning of Life' delves into his experiences in Nazi death camps and the concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning in life.
  2. The book explores the capacity of humans to endure harrowing situations and the significance of a purposeful life, drawing lessons from extreme conditions.
  3. Through the lens of psychological therapy, the stories from the brink of existence highlight the crucial role of having a meaning in life.

Stumbling Blocked

CTOrly • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. It's important to focus on the present rather than getting stuck in the past
  2. Allowing our mind to wander is fine, but fixating on past mistakes can be harmful
  3. Consider what past experiences are impacting your present and if they are worth holding onto

Peak Performance Newsletter #4 | On the Price of Reaction, Nihilism, and Calling out the Elephant in the Room

The Leadership Lab • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
📖 Philosophy Existentialism
  1. Reacting to situations can distance us from our true selves. Instead of reacting automatically, pause, accept, and acknowledge to gain clarity on the right way forward.
  2. Ignoring important, uncomfortable truths can create tension. Bringing unspoken issues into the open space is crucial for growth and resolution.
  3. Nihilism, the belief that everything is meaningless, can limit our view and lead to missing out on positive aspects of life. The world is more nuanced than just black and white perspectives.